GarageGames builds Fallen Empire

In October, rumors surfaced that indie-game champion GarageGames was readying a spiritual successor to Starsiege Tribes for its soon-to-launch Web browser-based games platform InstantAction. The news was met with some skepticism, considering that browser games don't have a reputation for complexity and that Tribes is widely considered one of the greatest games ever made due to its innovate, fast, and cerebral gameplay.

When GarageGames parted the curtain on InstantAction the following month, the Tribes-successor rumor gained ground after GarageGames CEO Josh Williams told GameSpot that his studio was working on a first-person shooter for the "console quality" game platform. Today, the rumor mill can officially be shut down, as GarageGames has taken the lid off of Fallen Empire: Legions, an online team-based first-person shooter set to hit InstantAction in early 2008.

"Rather than churning out sequels or licensed games, we're working with developers focused on creating cool gameplay," said Williams in a statement today. "Fallen Empire: Legions will be InstantAction's most advanced example of this so far. Marrying core games with the accessibility and social power of the web is a huge step forward in the industry, and I personally can't wait for this game to be released so I can hop on and start playing everyone."

Screenshots released alongside the game's announcement reveal gameplay that bears a striking resemblance to Tribes. Specifics on the game haven't yet been revealed, but Fallen Empire: Legions promises fast-paced land- and air-based futuristic combat that emphasizes freedom of movement in open environments.

As of November, more than 12 games are purportedly in development for GarageGames' InstantAction service, including Cyclomite from Bungie cofounder Alex Seropian's Wideload Games. The service is expected to launch early this year, and is currently enlisting beta participants.